Albuquerque

'Alba… what?' was the most popular question my friends asked some time ago. It's a place in New Mexico, US, with high desert climate, meaning lots of sun all year around, very low humidity, cold nights and warmth during daytime at least in autumn. We'll see what winter brings, but it shouldn't be much difference. East of the city is protected by the Sandia mountains, a natural barrier high about 3.200 m, which is easily accessible if you think the city is on an altitude of 1.600 m.  The west side of the city is open and can uplift you with magical orange, red and purple sunset views. There are trees, small bushes and flowers, but you see they hide the water resources deep in their core, protected sometimes with harsh elements like thorns. Large streets, avenues and boulevards are organized in an easily understood matrix, with two major highways separating the city into four major areas. The architecture of most buildings and the smell of roasted chilies in the air remind we are not far away from Mexico, but the faces on the streets also state we are in the land of Native Americans. 

Why would a very known and worldwide estimated ayurvedic doctor place himself in this particular spot is a question that still intrigues my mind and which answer is slowly being sensed. Nine month of Ayurveda study at his Institute will reveal that. The program is set intensively with twenty-three hours of lectures and estimated additional forty-seven hours of self-study on a weekly base. Among Sanskrt, nutrition, herbalism, yoga, anatomy, medical terminology and clinical assessments, the Ayurveda lectures are highly expected to be the most inspiring. The first orientation week offered the possibility for the knowledge hungry thirty-nine souls to get to know each other and adjust in the new environment.  Mostly American and a few foreign students will soon embark on a journey that will open the minds and reveal the hidden secrets of life. 

Change. This is the word that comes into my mind right now. The change was big, leaving home, friends, family and work behind; traveling for almost a day and half to find myself eight hours behind the usual time-zone, getting acquainted with the new house, roommate, climate, schoolmates, Institute, new way of life; finding organic food stores, the safest bike-able way to the Institute; buying tons of books,…

Grounding. This is the word that needs to happen, soon.